**Flames and Smoke Erupt Near Riyadh Airport Amid Houthi Threats**
A significant plume of smoke was observed near King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Saturday, following reports of explosions and a series of alerts issued by Saudi authorities regarding potential aerial threats. This incident comes amid escalating tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi movement in Yemen, which has ramped up its military activities in recent months.
Visual evidence captured by Reuters depicted a large column of black smoke rising prominently in the vicinity of the airport, with the main terminal building and highway visible in the foreground. In some footage, flames were seen emanating from what appeared to be fuel tanks. The Saudi government has yet to provide an official response regarding the smoke or the alerts that were sent out.
Overnight, Saudi civil defense authorities issued warnings via phone to residents in Riyadh and the nearby city of Al-Kharj, indicating a potential aerial attack threat. These alerts were followed by an all-clear message early Saturday morning. A journalist in the Olaya district of Riyadh reported hearing booms prior to the all-clear notification.
This marks the first instance of such alerts since the escalation of hostilities with the Houthis began in July, although similar warnings had been issued earlier this year following the onset of the US-Iran conflict. The Houthi group, which controls significant portions of northern Yemen, has been launching attacks against Saudi Arabia since it declared a naval blockade against Riyadh in July. These assaults have targeted Saudi cities, energy infrastructure, and shipping lanes, raising concerns about global oil supply disruptions and the safety of maritime routes, particularly through the Red Sea.
On Friday, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed that the group had thwarted unspecified "criminal attempts" in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, attributing blame to Saudi Arabia and promising a retaliatory response. The group has recently seized control of Yemen's entire Red Sea coast, escalating tensions in the region.
The United Nations Security Council condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia in a statement released on Friday. The Council expressed strong disapproval of the ongoing assaults that have impacted civilian and energy infrastructure, resulting in injuries to civilians, including women and children. Additionally, the Security Council condemned the military escalation by the Houthis within Yemen.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how Saudi Arabia will respond to the ongoing threats from the Houthi movement and what implications these events may have for regional stability and international oil markets.